The Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program (NPPCP) is a Government of Alberta initiative that aims to improve patient access to primary health care by compensating nurse practitioners (NPs) who provide comprehensive primary care. Under this model, NPs may practise independently in team-based settings or operate their own primary care clinics.
NPs deliver care based on their legislated scope of practice, advanced education and clinical expertise. The program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system by creating more options for Albertans to access timely, community-based care.
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) regulates NPs in Alberta and is developing standards and resources to support safe, competent and ethical NP practice within the NPPCP. While this work is underway, the NP frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide interim guidance to support registrants in meeting their professional obligations and ensuring patient safety.
The FAQs are updated regularly as new information becomes available.
If you have a question that is not addressed, you may ask our Practice Guidance team a question here.
For complete program information, including eligibility, mentorship funding and the application process, please visit the Government of Alberta NPPCP page.
News & Announcements
Expanding Primary Care in Alberta with Nurse Practitioners
Resources for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program (Government of Alberta)
Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta
The CRNA acknowledges that physicians have been providing autonomous primary care to patients as the most responsible practitioner for a considerable amount of time. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has standards of practice that are designed to support autonomous primary care. Some of the guidance in the FAQs has been adapted from the CPSA's standards of practice with their permission. Patients are entitled to safe, competent and ethical care whether they are being treated by a physician or an NP.